The one-year risk of mortality for stroke patients was 23% less among those who received neurological care, and stroke patients seen by a neurologist were much less likely to die during hospitalization (5.6% vs. 13.5 %). *Source: American Academy of Neurology

Dementia/Alzheimer's Disease

Dementia is a brain disorder that diminishes memory and other intellectual abilities enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases. Although most people with Alzheimer's are 65 or older, it is not a normal part of aging, and does occasionally occur in people in their 40s and 50s.

Alzheimer's worsens over time. At first, loss of faculties is mild, but late-stage Alzheimer's is characterized by inability to respond to one's environment. It is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. There is no cure, but there are treatments. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 8 to 10 years.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks, such as cooking or household repairs

Confusion with time or place, such as losing track of dates and seasons

Getting lost in familiar places

Vision problems and trouble judging distances

Problems with conversation and vocabulary

Losing things and inability to retrace one's steps

Poor judgment, for example, giving money to telemarketers

Neglecting to bathe, or wearing dirty clothes

Withdrawal from hobbies, work, or social activities

Changes in mood or personality

Causes and Prevention

The causes of Alzheimer's are not understood, but there is probably not just one. Age is by far the most important risk factor. The likelihood of having Alzheimer's doubles every five years after age 65.

Family history of Alzheimer's is a risk factor with early-onset Alzheimer's, but there is no clear pattern of inheritance in most cases. However, there may be genetic causes. The only gene so far identified as a risk factor is one that makes a protein called apolipoprotein E; about 15 percent of people have the form of this gene that is associated with Alzheimer's.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's cannot be made with certainty in a living person. It requires examination of the brain for the plaques and tangles that indicate Alzheimer's. However, diagnosis can be made accurately in living patients up to 90 percent of the time. Tools your WellStar neurologist uses to diagnose "probable Alzheimer's disease" include:

Taking a medical history and inquiring about medical problems and daily life

Tests of memory, problem solving, and attentiveness

Blood, urine, or spinal fluid tests

Brain scans (CT or MRI)

Treatment

Although no treatment has been shown to stop Alzheimer's, there are several drugs that may slow the progression of some symptoms, for a time, in people with early or middle stage Alzheimer's. These include Aricept® (donepezil), Exelon® (rivastigmine), and Razadyne® (galantamine). Moderate to severe Alzheimer's may be treated with Namenda® (mematine).

Other medications address symptoms of Alzheimer's, like sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.